Recent DOT Inspection AAR

Just wanted to put some results out after conducting several level 1 inspections recently.

ELD display devices must be accessible to the safety official outside the door without the officer entering your cab.
Unless you are exempt, ELD is mandatory... had a few still running on paper. RODs must be able to transfer electronically roadside. Please learn how to put yourself into inspection mode and transfer your RODs. Depending on the official you get, they might just cite you for failure to transfer if you don’t know how. It seemed like I personally spent 5 minutes per driver teaching them how to transfer to my badge number. This is an area I’d like to see carriers step up in training.
If you’re hauling hazmat by special permit, the permit must be with you. If you’re carrier gives you the cheap paper placards and you know you’re traveling through #### weather, get it laminated or something. Also understand the fire extinguisher requirements for your hazmat load. The small standard extinguisher is a violation.
Had a few stupid violations for load securement. Add some blocking/bracing if you know it needs it.
This is human trafficking awareness month so expect your seals to be cut and cargo inspected.

On a plus side, the majority of inspections were clean. Didn’t come across out of service brakes or air leaks which are my stickler points.

 

When it comes to log books and HOS what do u look for? I just had a recent level 1 inspection and went into violation on my 14 hr clock by 10 mins 2 days prior, after a rough day. First time i ever went in violation and of course i got a level 1, 2 days later but the officer didnt say a word about it. Thinking he may have missed it and i got lucky or 10 mins is not a big deal?

 

Sounds like he just missed it. Your record of duty status (RODS) will be checked for almost all levels of inspection. Most troopers just do a level 3 which is driver only. Some are trained on level 2 which is a walk around. The level 1 inspection is a 37 step inspection that includes inspection of the undercarriage and brake adjustments.

 

Is it acceptable to have an ELD that is not able to electronically transfer RODS but has the ability to print a full hard copy in standard log book form at the road side?

 

If it is such a hassle to teach them to transfer why don't you just skip them and continue eating donuts inside.

 

There is a phrase I learned long ago..

" never invite The Man into your life "

..might be worth a try

 

I'll be glad to get failure to transfer ticket gives me a reason to post a video of them and their salary.

 

Someone always has to try to upset the exchange of valuable information.
I would much rather have a technical exchange on here with a member who works the other side of our industry then having the same technical exchange at the roadside facing an inspection report.